How To Break Links In Excel And Keep Values
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Breaking links in Excel while preserving values is a vital skill for ensuring data integrity when sharing spreadsheets. This process removes dependencies on external files, preventing errors and streamlining document sharing.
Our guide provides straightforward steps to sever these links effectively. As a bonus, we'll explore how Sourcetable offers a more user-friendly alternative to Excel for managing this task.
Break Links in Excel and Keep Values
Using Copy Paste Special, Values
To break links in Excel and retain the data, use the 'Copy Paste Special, Values' feature. Copy the cells with external links and use 'Paste Special' to paste only the values in place of the original formulas. This converts the linked data to static values.
Using Edit - Links Feature
In Excel, you can break links via the 'Edit - Links' feature. Navigate to 'Data' and select 'Edit Links'. Choose the links to break and click 'Break Link'. This action replaces external references with their current values.
For Excel Versions Without Edit - Links
Office 2000 lacks the 'Edit - Links' feature. As an alternative, manually copy and paste cell values or use VBA code to break links and convert them to static values.
VBA Code to Break Links
Use provided VBA code to identify and break links in Excel. The code generates an 'All Links report' detailing external sources. Run this code to create a list of links, and then manually replace them with their current values.
Handling Objects, Charts, and Defined Names
External references in objects, charts, or defined names require manual checking. Use 'Find' for cells, inspect 'Refers To' in 'Name Manager' for defined names, and verify chart titles and data series for charts. Replace each link with its current value.
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Common Use Cases
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Removing dependencies on external files while preserving data
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Securing sensitive data before sharing the spreadsheet
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Improving spreadsheet performance by reducing formula calculations
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Creating a static data set for archival purposes
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Preventing inadvertent changes to critical data by removing formulas
Excel vs Sourcetable: A Comparative Analysis
Discover the next level of data integration with Sourcetable, a modern spreadsheet alternative to Excel. Sourcetable streamlines data management by aggregating various data sources into one accessible location.
Excel, a traditional spreadsheet tool, requires manual data input or complex integrations. Sourcetable automates this process, providing efficiency and real-time data analysis.
Enhance your productivity with Sourcetable's AI copilot. Unlike Excel's conventional functions, Sourcetable's AI assists in creating complex formulas, offering a simpler user experience.
While Excel relies on user expertise for formula creation, Sourcetable's chat interface empowers users to generate templates and perform analysis with ease, making advanced data tasks accessible to all.
Try Sourcetable For Free
Ask questions about your data in a powerful spreadsheet that your whole team knows how to use.
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